Match-box.



No. 666.030. Patented Ian. is, I90l.

\ 4 J. A. sum.

1011 BOX.

(Application flied is; 20, 1900.1-

(No Model.)

u a I i rm: mm mm on; mercuric; warm. 0. c.

UNrrnD STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JACOB A. SHIMP, OF ATHENS, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO JULIA R. SHIMP, OF SAME PLACE.

MATCH-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 666.030, dated January 15, 1901.

7 Application filed March 20, 1900. Serial No- 9,398. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JACOB A. SHIMP, a citizen of the United States, residing at Athens, in the county of Calhoun and State of Michigan, have invented new and useful Improvements in Match-Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in match-boxes, and pertains to a flat box adapted to fit the vest-pocket of the user and to automatically light the match when it is withdrawn therefrom, all of which will be fully described hereinafter and particularly pointed out. in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a match-box embodying my invent-ion. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view showing the box closed in solid lines and open in dotted lines. Fig. 3 isa plan view of the blank from which the box is formed. Fig. 4 is a detached perspective view of the locking-slide.

Referring now to the drawings, A indicates a box which is formed from sheet metal of any desired kind or other similar material, the box being made fiat in cross-section and widening out at its lower end, as illust rated. The sides of the box at their center are provided with the longitudinal slots 0., which register with each other, and passing through these slots is a sliding clamp b, the said clamp being preferably formed of a single strip of metal bent as shown in Fig. 4, with its laterally-turned ends 0 resting against the outer sides of the sides of the box, as clearly illustrated. Situated between the sides of the box and upon the stem portion of the clamping-slide is a spacing-sleeve e.

In operation the matches are placed in the box with their stem portions sticking out, as illustrated in Fig. l, the box being made shallower than the length of the matches for that purpose.

In order to enable the matches to be freely placed in position in the box, the clampingslide is moved upward to the upper end of the box, which will cause the separation of the upper free edges of the sides of the box to permit the matches to be placed therein head downward. The clam ping-slidc is then moved to the lower edge of the sides of the box, thus drawing the edges close together and clam ping the matches and holding them within the box to prevent them from becoming displaced or falling therefrom.

When it is desired to withdraw the match and to light it, the free edges of the sides of the box are grasped between the thumb and fingers of one hand, and with the other hand the match is quickly withdrawn, and the friction of the outer free edges of the sides of the box serve to light the match.

If desired, the inner sides of the outer free edges of the sides of the box may be provided with friction material, though this in practice .is found not to be necessary, it only requiring a slight pressure of the hand in holding the box at the point that the match is withdrawn.

In the sectional view it will be noted that the lower end of the box is slightly bulged outward to make ample room for the heads of the matches, and preferably this lower portion of the box is provided with an asbestos lining d, which practically surrounds the heads of the matches and protects them from any falling sparks which might occur in the lighting of a match, and thus serves to prevent them from becoming ignited except the one that is withdrawn therefrom.

The shape of this box makes it particularly adapted for the use of smokers in that it can be placed in the vest-pocket, occupying but little space and affording a ready means for the igniting of the match, as well as for bold ing it, thus enabling the user to always have at hand a means for lighting his match without the danger of injuring the wearing-apparel or the defacing of articles of furniture and the walls of a building by the striking of the match.

A match-box constructed as herein shown and described is formed from a single sheet of metal stamped out, as shown in Fig. 3, thus producing a very cheap box which is admirably adapted for advertising purposes by stamping upon the outer side thereof any desired advertisement or the name of any cigar or tobacco which it is intended to advertise. The box is thus well adapted for tobacco and cigar manufacturers to advertise their goods at a comparatively small expense. The box the ends of the matches, substantially as described.

2. A match-box having free sides and an open end means for locking the free ends together and means for opening and holding open the said side Walls, substantially as described.

3. A match-box having free side Walls provided with longitudinal slots, and a clampingslide passing through the said slots and engaging the outer sides of the sides of the box for the purpose described. I

4. A matchbox having free side Walls, the

side walls having longitudinal slots, a clamping member passing therethrough and engaging the outer sides of the sides of the box, and aspacing-sleeve situated upon the slide between the inner sides of the sides of the box, the parts adapted to operate substantially as described.

7 5. A match-box having free side walls and an open end and means 'for forcing the side Walls apart and locking them apart while the matches are being inserted, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. v

V JACOB A. SHIMP. Witnesses: I

C AS. A. STANDIFORD, E. D. ALBERTSON. 

